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Contracts
Breach of Contract
Professional Negligence

Brown Field Aviation Park LLC v. Parsons Brinckerhoff Inc., et al.

Published: Sep. 16, 2003 | Result Date: Aug. 5, 2003 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |

Case number: GIC786471 Verdict –  $7,600,000

Judge

E. Mac Amos Jr.

Court

San Diego Superior


Attorneys

Plaintiff

Bryan C. Vess

Mark C. Mazzarella
(Mazzarella & Mazzarella, LLP)


Defendant

Timothy L. Pierce

John Clark


Facts

The lawsuit originated from Brown Field Aviation Park's (BFAP) proposal to lease the city-owned airfield on Otay Mesa to build the San Diego Air Commerce Center at Brown Field or SANDACC. PB Aviation was hired by BFAP in early 1997 to provide consulting services for the preparation of an Airport Master Plan, a combined Environmental Assessment/Environmental Impact Report and an updated Comprehensive Land Use Plan. BFAP sued Parsons Brinckerhoff, Parsons Brinckerhoff Quade & Douglas and PB Aviation, alleging damages in excess of $120 million plus punitive damages.

Settlement Discussions

The defendants offered $1 million to settle the case prior to trial.

Other Information

The jury found that PB Aviation was negligent and it breached its contract with BFAP by failing to exercise the standard of care. According to the defendant: PB Aviation's motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict and motion for a new trial are pending. The defendants' motion for nonsuit was granted in part, and Parsons Brinckerhoff and Parsons Brinckerhoff Quade & Douglas were dismissed from the litigation. The defendants' motion for nonsuit also eliminated other intentional torts, including fraud, leaving the jury to consider BFAP's claims for negligence and breach of contract.

Deliberation

one day

Length

four weeks


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